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The 71st are a friendly and sociable group
and will welcome anyone, with a positive and fun loving attitude,
who wishes to take the King’s shilling. Though based in Kent, we
have a wide spread of active members from Peterborough to the South
Coast and West as far as Somerset – so far. We also have several
members in France and are starting a company in Spain.
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We’re a campaign unit, not “Chocolate Box Soldiers”, a few holes or
patches in your uniform will add to our authenticity, so long as
you’ve made an effort and your musket sparks well, the Corporal
won’t go off on one – even cow muck is allowed if you remain down
wind. Most of the kit can be made within the regiment, which keeps
the cost to a minimum. We can provide help and advice when it comes
to applying for licences, purchasing muskets and the few items of
kit that cannot be made.
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We’re well travelled and we even visited Buenos Aires in 2006 just
as we did in 1806, except we were invited this time. France, Belgium
and Spain are on the annual list of events and we even have true
French and Spaniards on our strength.
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The real Highland Light Infantry took an active role in most of the
actions in the Peninsular and were at Waterloo, where they were
reputed to have fired the last cannon shot of the battle, when they
captured a loaded French cannon and turned it on the fleeing enemy.
Not content with this notoriety, they collected enough horses from
the battlefield for the entire regiment to ride to Paris. Such was
the confusion after the battle, that nobody challenged them.
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For those who enjoy the research aspects, we have good links with
our Regimental Museum in Glasgow, and several researchers already
among us. Anyone not wishing to wear a uniform may choose to be a
soldiers wife, lady, gentleman, even portray a travelling side-show
or other camp follower – imagination is everything. Whether you’re
in the 71st to “play” or are dedicated to research and authenticity,
there’s a place for you.
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Join the 71st; have the best of all worlds – Highlanders without
kilts; light infantrymen in red coats, a campaign unit with style. |
